Versatile Wash Cloth System

ABSTRACT

A device and method of use for a cleaning cloth which employs multiple fabric or material surfaces to allow a user to select the type of surface through its design and ability to reverse internal and outer surfaces is disclosed. In one embodiment, the versatile wash cloth incorporates attachment loops which facilities the hanging and additional cleaning uses of the wash cloth. The attachment loops may be mounted, coupled, or formed as an integral part of the design for the versatile wash cloth. In addition, the versatile wash cloth system may employ a handle extension component to aid in the cleaning process.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under Title 35 United States Code§119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.: 61/598,849;Filed: Feb. 14, 2012, the full disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable

INCORPORATING-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING

Not applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device and method of use for aversatile wash cloth system having a plurality of applications andfunctions. More specifically, the present invention relates to a deviceand method of use for a cleaning cloth which employs multiple fabric ormaterial surfaces to allow a user to select the type of surface throughits design and ability to reverse internal and outer surfaces. Inaddition, the system may employ a handle extension component to aid inthe cleaning process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Without limiting the scope of the disclosed device and method, thebackground is described in connection with a novel device and approachto a versatile cleaning cloth system.

The fields prior art reflects many approaches and devices for cleaningcloths. Wipes, cloths, and towels have all been employed in variousconstructions and for various purposes.

A first example of a cleaning device in the prior art is described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,267,524 issued on Jul. 31, 2001 to Sally Smy Kroha. Inthis example, the device is structured for a soap bag and secures thesoap bag in the users hand with partial reversibility of the surfaces.

A second example of a cleaning device in the prior art is described inU.S. Pat. No. D413,477 issued on Sep. 7, 1999 to Sean K Chaney. In thisexample, the device is structured as a nonreversible wash cloth with asoap pocket.

In reality, what is seen in the prior art are specifically designedcleaning devices that serve a distinct and limited purpose. While all ofthe aforementioned devices may fulfill their unique purposes, none ofthem fulfill the need for a reversible versatile cleaning cloth thatprovides for a practical and effective means for washing, cleaning,scrubbing, and absorbing under various applications and environments.

The present invention therefore proposes a novel device and method ofuse for a versatile wash cloth having a plurality of applications andfunctions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, therefore, provides a device and method of usefor a reversible versatile wash cloth which incorporates one or moreattachment loops to allow additional functionality in cleaning, wiping,and absorbing activities.

In one embodiment, the versatile wash cloth is composed of a two layereddesign. In another embodiment, the versatile wash cloth is composed of athree layered design. In another embodiment, the versatile wash cloth iscomposed of a four layered design. In each of the aforementionedembodiments, the layers may consist of a variety materials such as butnot limited to cotton and mesh. In another embodiment, one or moreattachment loops are coupled, attached, or fastened to the material toprovide additional functionality such as hanging, folding, andadditional operations of the device. In yet another embodiment, a handleextension component is employed to aid in the cleaning process.

In summary, the present invention relates to a device and method of usefor a versatile wash cloth having a plurality of applications andfunctions. More specifically, the present invention relates to a deviceand method of use for a cleaning cloth which employs multiple fabric ormaterial surfaces to allow a user to select the type of surface throughits design and ability to reverse internal and outer surfaces. Inaddition, the versatile wash cloth system may employ a handle extensioncomponent to aid in the cleaning process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of thepresent invention, reference is now made to the detailed description ofthe invention along with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the versatile wash clothillustrating a double layered design with attachment holes in accordancewith embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the versatile wash cloth with thetop layer lifted of a three layered design illustrating the middle meshwith gripping stitching and attachment holes in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the versatile wash clothillustrating a triple layered design with attachment holes, a meshmiddle, and gripping stitching in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the versatile wash clothillustrating the initial stage of reversing a three layered design inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the versatile wash clothillustrating the complete reversal of a three layered design inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the versatile wash clothillustrating the complete reversal of a four layered design inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the versatile wash clothillustrating the complete reversal of a four layered design inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the versatile wash cloth'sattachment loop component in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure;

FIG. 9 is a corner perspective view of the versatile wash cloth with theattachment loop illustrating the beginning of the fastening process viaa pass through loop in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a corner perspective view of the versatile wash cloth withthe attachment loop illustrating the completion of the fastening processvia a pass through loop in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the versatile wash cloth with theattachment loops fastened in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure;

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the versatile wash cloth with theattachment loops fastened illustrating a half fold in accordance withembodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the versatile wash cloth with anattachment loop fastened illustrating a storage or hanging setup inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the versatile wash clothillustrating the complete reversal of a four layered design withattachment loops in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the versatile wash clothillustrating all layers being made out of a mesh material in accordancewith embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a bottom side perspective view of the versatile wash clothhandle extension component in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure;

FIG. 17 is a right side perspective view of the versatile wash clothhandle extension component in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure;

FIG. 18 is a top side perspective view of the versatile wash clothhandle extension component attached to the versatile wash cloth inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a left side perspective view of the versatile wash clothhandle extension component attached to the versatile wash cloth inaccordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is an improved device and method of use for a versatilewash cloth system. The numerous innovative teachings of the presentinvention will be described with particular reference to severalembodiments (by way of example, and not of limitation).

Reference is first made to FIG. 1, a front perspective view of theversatile wash cloth. Here illustrated is a double layered design with atop surface layer 10 and a bottom surface layer 20. By integratingmultiple surface layers, the cleaning effectiveness and efficiency isapproved by providing the user of the device not only additional surfacearea but also multiple surface areas. Surface layers may be made out ofa variety of materials which include but are not limited to cotton andmesh. In this embodiment three sides of the versatile wash cloth areattached at the outer edges between the top surface layer 10 and thebottom surface layer 20. The edges may be attached by number of meansthat include but not limited to velcro, stitching and adhesive. Thisconfiguration allows the user to insert their hand into the versatilewash cloth much like a glove at the remaining side which is not attachedbetween the top surface layer 10 and the bottom surface layer 20. InFIG. 1 the user's hand entry side is shown on the bottom side of theillustration. In addition, the attachment holes 30 are illustrated whichare structures where the attachment loops can be fastened. In thisembodiment, two attachment holes 30 are shown which are on oppositecorners of the versatile wash cloth. While this embodiment includes twoattachment holes 30, other embodiments may include one or more than two.An additional aspect of the invention is that the versatile wash clothis reversible and the attachment holes 30 maintain their positions in areversible configuration. In another embodiment, the attachment holes donot maintain their positions. In yet other embodiments the attachmentholes may or may not be all the way through the versatile wash cloth.That is the attachment hole may only be through a layer of material orthrough layers of material but not all.

Reference is next made to FIG. 2, a front perspective view of theversatile wash cloth. This illustration provides a view of the versatilewash cloth with the top surface layer lifted 10 of a three layereddesign illustrating the middle mesh surface layer 40 with grip stitching50 and attachment holes 30. The top surface layer 10 is lifted forillustration purposes only and not an aspect of the device. In thisembodiment a mesh material surface layer 40 is used as a middle layer.When the versatile wash cloth is reversed, the outer layers will consistof a mesh surface area 40 and a top surface area 10 with the bottomsurface layer 20 now in the middle in this reversible configuration. Thegrip stitching 50 allows the users hand to fit securely within theversatile wash cloth. The stitching is between the bottom surface layer20 and the middle mesh surface layer 40. In a four layer design, anotherembodiment would have additional grip stitching 50 between the topsurface layer 10 and the additional mesh layer next to it.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3, a front perspective view of theversatile wash cloth illustrating a three layered design. In thisillustration the top surface layer 10, the bottom surface layer 20, andthe middle mesh surface layer 40 is readily seen.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4, a front perspective view of theversatile wash cloth illustrating the initial stage of reversing a threelayered design. The open end is the starting point for beginning thereversing of the versatile wash cloth.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5, a side perspective view of theversatile wash cloth illustrating the complete reversal of a threelayered design. As mentioned previously, once the versatile wash clothis reversed, the outer surface layers are now the top surface layer 10and the former middle mesh surface layer 40 with the former bottomsurface layer 20 now in the middle. In this illustration the open sideis not seen and could be on the back or right side which are notviewable in this illustration.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6, a front perspective view of theversatile wash cloth illustrating the complete reversal of a fourlayered design. In this embodiment, the four layered design consists oftwo middle layers of mesh 40, a top surface layer 10, and a bottomsurface layer 20. Once the versatile wash cloth four layered design isreversed, the outer surface layers are now the former two middle meshsurface layers 40 with the former bottom surface layer 20 and the formertop surface layer 10 now the two layers in the middle.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7, a top perspective view of the versatilewash cloth illustrating the complete reversal of a four layered designwith grip stitching 50. In this illustration, it is more apparent howthe mesh surface layers 40 in a reversible configuration become theouter surface layers.

Reference is now made to FIG. 8, a top perspective view of the versatilewash cloth's attachment loop. In this embodiment the attachment loopconsists of a string loop 60 and a button 70 fastened at the end.Examples of alternative embodiments include but are not limited to thebutton being replaced by a bead, hook, or clasp. Additional examples ofalternative embodiments include but are not limited to the string loop60 being replaced by a cord or band. The attachment loop may be attachedat the versatile wash cloth's attachment holes 30 as will be describedin the next few sections.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9, a corner perspective view of theversatile wash cloth with the attachment loop illustrating the beginningof the fastening process via a pass through loop 80 through theattachment hole 30. In this illustration it is more readily seen how theattachment loop is passed through the attachment hole 30 and re-threadedthrough its string loop 60.

Reference is now made to FIG. 10, a corner perspective view of theversatile wash cloth with the attachment loop illustrating thecompletion of the fastening process via a pass through loop. In thisillustration, the pass through loop 80 is tightened and the finalconfiguration is seen with the attachment loop integrated.

Reference is now made to FIG. 11, a top perspective view of theversatile wash cloth with the attachment loops fastened. In thisillustration the complete layout can be seen for the versatile washcloth. The grip stitching 50 can bee seen on the lower surface layer 20along with the attachment holes 30 and pass through loops 80. In thisembodiment, the grip stitching 50 can be seen in a particularconfiguration. The opening for the user's hand can be seen in the upperright corner where the mesh middle surface layer 40 can be seen. The twogrip stitch lines 50 originating from the opening are perpendicular tothe side and are wide enough to allow the user's hand to slide betweenthe two. The other two grip stitch lines 50 originate from the oppositeside's corners and are at a forty-five degree angle coming in towardsthe center of versatile wash cloth. This second set of grip stitch lines50 allow the user's fingers to fit into the three distinct pocket areasfor better gripping and utilization of the versatile wash cloth.

Reference is now made to FIG. 12, a side perspective view of theversatile wash cloth with the attachment loops fastened illustrating ahalf fold. One functional aspect of the versatile wash cloth is if theuser grabs an attachment loop by the button 70 having one in each handand pulling out and apart as to make the attachment string 60 andmaterial taught, the half fold configuration is achieved. The user maythen use this configuration for cleaning, scrubbing, wiping, andabsorbing by moving both hands from side to side while maintaining thistaught position. This allows the user to reach hard locations such as auser's back.

Reference is now made to FIG. 13, a side perspective view of theversatile wash cloth with an attachment loop fastened illustrating astorage or hanging setup. In this illustration, the attachment loop isfastened by the attachment loop button 70 being inserted into theattachment hole 30. This allows the string loop 60 to be hooked onto anumber of features for storage or temporary hanging. In thisillustration, the string loop has a pass through loop 80 around a bar.

Reference is now made to FIG. 14, a front perspective view of theversatile wash cloth illustrating the complete reversal of a fourlayered design with attachment loops. In this illustration the openingfor the user's hand can be seen along with the grip stitching 50 andattachment loops. What can also be seen in this illustration are thefour layers of the design. The former two inner mesh surface layers 40are now the two outer layers of the versatile wash cloth and the formertop surface layer 10 and bottom surface layer 20 are now the two middlelayers of the versatile wash cloth.

Reference is now made to FIG. 15, a front perspective view of theversatile wash cloth illustrating all layers being made out of a meshmaterial. Illustrated in this figure is the attachment hole 30 and theattachment loop button 70. In this embodiment, the attachment loopbutton is a longitudinal bead.

Reference is now made to FIG. 16, a bottom side perspective view of theversatile wash cloth handle extension component. Illustrated in thisfigure are the components' handle portion 110, the distance between thescrubber arm caps 120, the left side scrubber arm cap 130, the rightside scrubber arm cap 140, the distance between the scrubber arms 150,the left scrubber arm 160, the right scrubber arm 170, the versatilewash cloth attachment loop connection point along the longitudinalhandle portion 180, the attachment hole 190, and the versatile washcloth attachment loop connection point at the end of the longitudinalhandle portion 200. The handle portion 110 may be made of variouslengths to accommodate different body sizes. In addition, the scrubberarm distance 150 can be varied for optimal cleaning effectiveness. Forexample, for scrubbing along the arms and shoulders, the scrubber armdistance 150 can be set so that the arm and shoulder width is similar tothe scrubber arm distance 150. The scrubber arm distance 150 can easilybe adjusted by sliding the scrubber arms apart or closer together. Thescrubber arm caps 130, 140 may be embody various scrubbing surfaces andmaterials. Some examples of scrubbing surfaces and materials may includebut are not limited to textured surfaces and spike surfaces made offoams, rubbers, and plastics which aid in the scrubbing and cleaningprocess. In this embodiment, the versatile wash cloth attachment loopconnection point along the longitudinal handle portion 180 is a screwhead extending from the handle portion 110 a sufficient distance toallow the versatile wash cloth's attachment loop 60 to latch. As analternative connection point for the versatile wash cloth's attachmentloop 60, the connection point at the end of the longitudinal handleportion 200 may be used. In this embodiment, the connection point 200 isa notch at the end of the handle portion of sufficient size to allow theversatile wash cloth's attachment loop 60 to latch. The attachment hole190 is a feature of the handle extension component which allows the userto hang or attach the component to various surfaces to store.

Reference is now made to FIG. 17, a right side perspective view of theversatile wash cloth handle extension component. In this illustrationthe scrubbing angle 210 is seen. The handle extension component allowsthe user to adjust the angle 210 between the scrubber arms 160, 170 andthe handle portion 110 for optimal cleaning effectiveness and userpreference.

Reference is now made to FIG. 18, a top side perspective view of theversatile wash cloth handle extension component attached to theversatile wash cloth. Illustrated in this figure is one embodiment ofhow the versatile wash cloth is attached to the handle extensioncomponent via the attachment loop 60 connected to the versatile washcloth attachment loop connection point along the longitudinal handleportion 180. The versatile wash cloth simply slides onto the versatilewash cloth handle extension, the handle extension scrubber arms 160, 170simply taking the position of a user's hand in the versatile wash cloth.In an alternate embodiment, the versatile wash cloth is attached to thehandle extension component via the attachment loop 60 connected to theversatile wash cloth attachment loop connection point at the end of thelongitudinal handle portion 200.

Reference is lastly made to FIG. 19, a left side perspective view of theversatile wash cloth handle extension component attached to theversatile wash cloth

In brief, the reversible versatile wash cloth incorporating attachmentloops as described herein provides for an efficient and effective meansfor various environments where cleaning, scrubbing, wiping, andabsorbing is needed. The handle extension component provides for addedreach, functionality, and aids in the cleaning process

The disclosed device and method of use is generally described, withexamples incorporated as particular embodiments of the invention and todemonstrate the practice and advantages thereof. It is understood thatthe examples are given by way of illustration and are not intended tolimit the specification or the claims in any manner.

To facilitate the understanding of this invention, a number of terms maybe defined below. Terms defined herein have meanings as commonlyunderstood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to thepresent invention. Terms such as “a”, “an”, and “the” are not intendedto refer to only a singular entity, but include the general class ofwhich a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminologyherein is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, buttheir usage does not delimit the disclosed device or method, except asmay be outlined in the claims.

Alternative applications for this invention include using this deviceand method of use for wiping, cleaning, and absorbing in general foralternative applications and in various types of machines. Consequently,any embodiments comprising a one piece or multi piece device having thestructures as herein disclosed with similar function shall fall into thecoverage of claims of the present invention and shall lack the noveltyand inventive step criteria.

It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein areshown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention.The principal features of this invention can be employed in variousembodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no morethan routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specificdevice and method of use described herein. Such equivalents areconsidered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered bythe claims.

All publications and patent applications mentioned in the specificationare indicative of the level of those skilled in the art to which thisinvention pertains. All publications and patent application are hereinincorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individualpublication or patent application was specifically and individuallyindicated to be incorporated by reference.

In the claims, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,”“including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and thelike are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including butnot limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and“consisting essentially of,” respectively, shall be closed orsemi-closed transitional phrases.

The device and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made andexecuted without undue experimentation in light of the presentdisclosure. While the device and methods of this invention have beendescribed in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent tothose skilled in the art that variations may be applied to the deviceand/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of themethod described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, andscope of the invention.

More specifically, it will be apparent that certain components which areboth shape and material related may be substituted for the componentsdescribed herein while the same or similar results would be achieved.All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilledin the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of theinvention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A versatile wash cloth system comprising: atleast two layers of material wherein all sides are closed except oneside, forming at least one pocket to allow a users hand to be inserted;whereby said formed pockets forms inner washing surfaces and outerwashing surfaces and said pockets are reversible allowing said innerwashing surfaces and said outer washing surfaces to be switched.
 2. Theversatile wash cloth system of claim 1 wherein said layers of materialare at least two different types.
 3. The versatile wash cloth system ofclaim 1 wherein all said layers of material are mesh.
 4. The versatilewash cloth system of claim 1 further comprising at least one attachmenthole.
 5. The versatile wash cloth system of claim 4 wherein theattachment holes maintain their position when said pockets are reversed.6. The versatile wash cloth system of claim 1 further comprising gripstitching through adjacent said layers of material.
 7. The versatilewash cloth system of claim 6 wherein said grip stitching is configuredto run along both sides of a user's wrist and between at least one setof adjacent fingers of the user when the hand is inserted into theversatile wash cloth.
 8. The versatile wash cloth system of claim 4further comprising: at least one attachment loop detachably connectableto said attachment hole, said attachment loop comprising: a string,band, or chord loop; and an engagement element for fastening to saidattachment hole.
 9. A versatile wash cloth handle extension comprising:a longitudinal handle portion having at least one detachably connectableelement for an attachment loop and at least one attachment hole; atleast one scrubber arm extending from said longitudinal handle portion.10. The versatile wash cloth handle extension of claim 9 wherein thescrubbing angle is adjustable by rotating said scrubber arm.
 11. Theversatile wash cloth handle extension of claim 9 wherein said scrubberarm is extendable from said longitudinal handle portion.
 12. Theversatile wash cloth handle extension of claim 9 wherein said scrubberarms further comprise removable scrubber arm caps.
 13. The versatilewash cloth handle extension of claim 9 wherein the scrubbing angle isadjustable by rotating said scrubber arm; wherein said scrubber arm isextendable from said longitudinal handle portion; and wherein saidscrubber arms further comprise removable scrubber arm caps.
 14. Aversatile wash cloth system comprising: at least two layers of materialwherein all sides are closed except one side, forming at least onepocket to allow a users hand to be inserted; whereby said formed pocketsforms inner washing surfaces and outer washing surfaces and said pocketsare reversible allowing said inner washing surfaces and said outerwashing surfaces to be switched; at least one attachment hole whereinsaid attachment holes maintain their position when said pockets arereversed; grip stitching through adjacent layers of material whereinsaid grip stitching is configured to run along both sides of a user'swrist and between at least one set of adjacent fingers of the user whenthe hand is inserted into the versatile wash cloth; at least oneattachment loop detachably connectable to said attachment hole, saidattachment loop comprising: a string loop; and an engagement element forfastening to said attachment hole; a handle extension comprising: alongitudinal handle portion having at least one detachably connectableelement for an attachment loop and at least one attachment hole; atleast one scrubber arm extending from said longitudinal handle portion;wherein the scrubbing angle is adjustable by rotating said scrubber arm;wherein said scrubber arm is extendable from said longitudinal handleportion; and wherein said scrubber arms further comprise removablescrubber arm caps.